Investigating how lens capsule changes lead to cataract surgery complications
Official title: Lens capsule and secondary cataract
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10891485 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins might cause vision problems after cataract surgery, with the goal of finding new ways to prevent or treat these issues for people who have had the surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $363,008 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY033915-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10891485 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have undergone cataract surgery and are experiencing or at risk for posterior capsular opacification.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had cataract surgery or those with other unrelated eye conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on posterior capsular opacification (PCO), a common issue that can occur after cataract surgery, causing vision impairment. The study examines how certain proteins and cellular processes contribute to the development of PCO, particularly looking at the role of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and their effect on lens epithelial cells. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets to prevent or treat PCO, improving outcomes for patients who have undergone cataract surgery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent vision loss after cataract surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the mechanisms of PCO, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nagaraj, Ram H — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Nagaraj, Ram H
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How the aging lens affects vision and what we can do about it
This grant studies how aging changes lens water and ion balance to cause cataracts and presbyopia, with the goal of better preserving vision for aging adults.
-
Glutaredoxin and aging: how it affects cataracts and new treatment ideas
A research project explores how aging affects the lens of the eye and tests new ways to prevent or treat cataracts by studying antioxidant repair and inflammation.
-
Cataracts and Work Exposures in Denmark
A large Danish study will look at whether job-related exposures, both chemical and non-chemical, are linked to developing cataracts.
-
Tele-mentoring with an ultra-portable surgical microscope to treat cataracts in underserved communities
A portable medical microscope with remote mentoring helps doctors in underserved areas perform cataract surgery more safely and effectively for people who need it.
-
Cataract Surgery and its Possible Impact on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias
This project explores whether fixing vision through cataract surgery could influence the progression and onset of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
-
Role of S100 Proteins in the Eye Lens and Cataract
A study at Duke University will explore how S100 family proteins affect lens clarity and shape to understand why cataracts develop.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.